Tag: Scottish Government

Misogyny: First Minister welcomes Kennedy recommendations

The recommendations of the independent report on Misogyny and Criminal Justice in Scotland have been welcomed in principle by the First Minister.

In a parliamentary statement to mark International Women’s Day 2022, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the report highlighted ways in which the law was currently failing women and girls, and it gave powerful voice to the stark reality of the misogyny faced by women in everyday life.

The First Minister thanked Baroness Kennedy and the working group for producing the report and said Ministers would respond formally as soon as possible, after giving full consideration to the recommendations.

In a statement that reflected on the historic roots of misogyny, the First Minister also made a formal apology to all those accused, convicted, vilified or executed under the Witchcraft Act 1563, on behalf of the Scottish Government.

The First Minister highlighted that while the Witchcraft Act had been consigned to history in Scotland, it was not yet a historic issue in some parts of the world where, even today, women and girls face persecution and death because they have been accused of witchcraft. She said deep misogyny that motivated it could still be seen today in Scotland in everyday harassment, online rape threats and sexual violence.

The First Minister said: “While here in Scotland the Witchcraft Act may have been consigned to history a long time ago, the deep misogyny that motivated it has not. Today it expresses itself, not in claims of witchcraft, but in everyday harassment, online rape threats and sexual violence.

“It is no longer acceptable to expect women and girls to adapt and accommodate. It is time to challenge unacceptable male behaviour, and better protect women from it. We must change for good the culture of misogyny that has normalised such behaviour for far too long.

“It is of course in this context, that Baroness Helena Kennedy’s Working Group on Misogyny has this morning published its ground-breaking report.

“Its recommendations are bold and they are far reaching. However, this report, in my view, matters beyond the detail of the specific recommendations it makes. It matters because it acknowledges and it gives powerful voice to the stark realities of everyday life for women. 

“It recognises that misogyny is endemic, and that it blights the lives of women every single day. It also recognises the power of the law to drive social and cultural change, and concedes that for women and girls, our law is currently failing.

“Perhaps most importantly of all, it articulates a fundamental truth that on this International Women’s Day, we must all reflect on – a society in which women do not feel safe is not one in which we can ever be truly equal.”

Earlier yesterday Justice Secretary Keith Brown welcomed the publication of Baroness Helena Kennedy QC’s report on Misogyny and Criminal Justice in Scotland.

Mr Brown thanked Baroness Kennedy for her exemplary efforts and said the recommendations will now be closely considered.

The Working Group was set up to independently consider how the Scottish criminal justice system deals with misogyny. 

This included examining whether there are gaps in the law that could be addressed by a specific criminal offence to tackle such behaviour. 

The group gathered oral and written evidence from a number of experts and stakeholders and from people with lived experience to determine what more we can do to deal with misogynistic conduct.

Mr Brown will now consider its recommendations of creating a Misogyny Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act containing a public misogynistic harassment offence; an offence of stirring up hatred against women and girls; an offence of issuing threats of, or invoking, rape or sexual assault or disfigurement of women and girls and a new statutory aggravation of misogyny.

Mr Brown said: “I would like to thank Baroness Kennedy for the hard work she and her working group have undertaken in the development of this report. 

“This is an extremely important piece of work to help inform policy to address the many forms of violence, transgression and abuse experienced by women which may emanate from misogyny and is a milestone in making our society safe, equal and fair. 

“It is clear to me that to achieve true equality we must continue to think about our messaging and how men’s attitudes to women can be effectively challenged to make women feel safe when going about their everyday lives.

“We welcome the Working Group’s report on its findings and recommendations and will now carefully consider those before publishing our response in due course.

“We are absolutely clear that women and girls should not experience any form of harassment, abuse or violence which is why we set up this independent Working Group and it is fitting its findings were published on International Women’s Day.”

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International Women’s Day 2022: First Minister’s statement – 8 March 2022

Apprenticeships key to supporting NHS, says First Minister

Apprentices are delivering a well-qualified workforce and addressing skills gaps in the NHS, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said. Launching Scottish Apprenticeship Week yesterday, the First Minister met a group of pharmacy apprentices based at University Hospital Monklands.

A new £3.4 million Scottish Government recruitment programme will see 150 apprentice pharmacy technicians trained and recruited across Scotland this year.

Throughout their two year apprenticeship individuals will develop skills and gain valuable experience working in hospital and community pharmacies as well as GP practices undertaking medication reviews and liaising with other healthcare professionals to provide effective patient care.

The First Minister said: “Growing our workforce is crucial, which is why we must increase the opportunities for our young people who wish to choose a career in the NHS such as pharmacy, with quality hands-on training to set them on their path. Increasing the number of qualified pharmacy technicians is critical to ensuring a well-qualified workforce.

“While we work towards returning to pre-pandemic levels of apprenticeship uptake, it is encouraging that the latest Skills Development Scotland official statistics showed almost twice as many people had started Modern Apprenticeships by the end of the third quarter of 2021-22 compared with the same time a year prior. Furthering that progress will be crucial to delivering opportunities for young people while ensuring a well-qualified workforce.

“As Scotland moves towards economic renewal and transition apprenticeships across our economy and public services – including roles in construction, transport and life sciences – have a key role to play as part of the national endeavour to drive a fairer, greener economic recovery.”

Scotland’s skills agency, Skills Development Scotland (SDS) administers funding towards the training delivery of the Technical Apprenticeship in Pharmacy Services at SCQF Level 8.

Skills Development Scotland Chair Frank Mitchell: “When it comes to supporting sustainable skills through workforce development or providing opportunities for young people, we know that apprenticeships work.

“The combination of commitment from employers and the backing of Scottish Government will ensure apprenticeships work for everyone, making a significant contributor to Scotland’s recovery and productivity growth.”

“The Technical Apprenticeship in Pharmacy Services will provide key support for the NHS, giving people the opportunity to work, learn and earn developing skills that are in demand.”

Pharmacist team manager at University Hospital Monklands Linsey Hayes said: “Our participation and engagement with these apprenticeship opportunities demonstrates our Health Board’s commitment to the young people in our local community contributing to our employability targets at local and national level.” 

Pharmacy technicians work within pharmacy teams carrying out specialised tasks, including preparing complex medicines and dispensing medicines safely for patients.

Hannah Scullion, a pre-registration pharmacy technician with NHS Lanarkshire, said: “Becoming a qualified pharmacy technician was always my goal and I am so glad to have been given this opportunity to do this through the new technical apprenticeship programme.”

The National Pre-registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician Scheme, the first of its kind in Scotland, will see Scottish Government funding go towards salaries and infrastructure to support expansion of the Technical Apprenticeship in Pharmacy Services.

The first intake of 50 apprentices under the scheme will start in April 2022 with a further 100 apprentices to be recruited in autumn.

Apprenticeships | Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2022

Search on for top green businesses as entries open for VIBES Scottish Environment Business Awards

Entries are now open for VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards, and companies across Scotland of all sizes with a green ethos that have demonstrated significant business benefits from good environmental practice are being encouraged to enter.

The VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards are a partnership between the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), The Scottish Government, Energy Saving Trust, Highland & Islands Enterprise, Scottish Enterprise, South of Scotland Enterprise, Scottish Water, Zero Waste Scotland and NatureScot.

This year’s award categories include: Leadership Scotland, Innovating Scotland, Product Scotland, Service Scotland, Hydro Nation Scotland, Circular Scotland, Moving Scotland, Adapting Scotland, Engaging Scotland, Partnership Scotland, Small Business Scotland.

Businesses in Scotland have already felt the impact of the risks associated with climate change, and food producers and whisky distillers were faced with water scarcity last summer furthering the drive for positive and radical environmental action.

Organisations are being encouraged to follow the example of firms such as Vegware and Paterson Arran Ltd. who have shown that environmental best practice can also bring economic benefits including financial savings, an engaged workforce, positive working culture and improved competitiveness as well as contributing towards a better economy and society as a whole.

Since its inception in 1999, the VIBES Scottish Business Awards, have recognised and rewarded businesses that have championed sustainability by identifying ways to tackle the impact on the planet by reducing consumption on its resources.

This has included everything from increasing recycling and facilitating active travel to reducing consumption of raw materials by adopting a more circular approach.

Bob Downes, chair of SEPA and head of the VIBES judging panel, said: “Scotland is a leader in climate change action and successful businesses recognise the economic benefit from driving environmental innovation and best practice. 

“Every business in the country has a role to play in leading Scotland to Net Zero. The VIBES awards recognise those businesses that are developing sustainable solutions and helping to achieve net zero of all greenhouse gases by 2045. 

“We are looking for entries from businesses who are taking the lead in the transition to a net zero emissions economy through innovation, partnerships, circular economy, adaptation and a commitment to making the environment a key factor in decision making.

“These creative and pioneering organisations will be those who champion best practice and create sustainable goods, products and services through leadership, innovation and ambition, making a positive environmental impact protecting our plant for future generations.”

Finalists will be announced in June.

To obtain an application form please contact vibes@sepa.org.uk.

Businesses have until 5pm on 29 April 2022 to submit their free application.

For more informant on VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards, please visit www.vibes.org.uk.

Excluded: Economic role of voluntary sector not recognised by government

Scotland’s national membership organisation for the voluntary sector SCVO has warned the Scottish Government’s flagship economic plan has ignored the importance of the sector.  

Earlier this week Economy Secretary Kate Forbes unveiled Scotland’s National Strategy for Economic Transformation. The plans, as well as a debate in Holyrood on the subject on Wednesday, failed to recognise the importance of the voluntary sector and its role in the economy.  

The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) has raised concerns about the lack of plans outlined to invest in the sector, warning Scotland is in danger of missing a genuine opportunity to transform its economy.  

SCVO warned the sector’s exclusion from the Advisory Council that developed the strategy means important issues for many organisations in Scotland – including areas like its role as a significant employer and multi-year funding – remain underappreciated.  

Commenting on Scotland’s National Strategy for Economic Transformation and yesterday’s Scottish Parliament debate, Chief Executive of SCVO, Anna Fowlie said: “Though I recognise the positive elements in this strategy, I’m deeply disappointed that it fails to recognise Scotland’s voluntary sector’s role in achieving the aspiration to become a wellbeing economy built on the principles of prosperity for all, equality, sustainability, and resilience.  

“Through supporting the employment prospects of those furthest from the labour market, tackling digital exclusion, providing social care and housing, undertaking vital medical and environmental research, or running most of our theatres, museums, galleries, and sports clubs, Scotland’s voluntary organisations are integral to Scotland’s economic and social fabric.   

“With an annual turnover of £6bn and more than 100,000 paid staff, the Scottish Government needs to invest in a skilled and engaged voluntary sector workforce that can innovate and enhance successful programmes that are crucial to Scotland’s foundational economy.   

“Many of us called for the strategy to invest in voluntary organisations as significant employers, partners, and agents for change in Scotland’s recovery, alongside the public and private sectors, yet this strategy overlooks the intrinsic role of Scotland’s voluntary sector role in addressing systemic issues in our economy, and is stubbornly, ‘focused on business.’  

“While the Scottish Government pledges to ensure the voice of business is heard, with ‘robust governance’ structures ‘co-led by business,’ there is no such commitment to the voluntary sector. This is not an inclusive strategy, and there is little evidence of the Scottish Government respecting the strengths or drawing on the expertise of Scotland’s voluntary sector.   

“The sector was not represented on the Advisory Council that developed the strategy; key sector policies including the Social Renewal Advisory Board, the Social Enterprise Action Plan, and Volunteering Action Plan, all of which can play have a vital role in transforming the economy, are forgotten within the alignment of existing plans; and the sector’s role supporting work, innovation, and investment is unappreciated, even in relation to areas like fair work and multi-year funding, which are of key importance to the sector.  

“Given that the strategy will underpin Scotland’s first spending review in 11 years, it needed to go further in detailing how the Scottish Government plans to work alongside the voluntary sector to achieve our National Outcomes and how it will build upon and invest in the capacity of this vital sector.”   

What do we know about the real economic value of charities and social enterprises?

Join us at this webinar session with Strathclyde University’s Fraser of Allander Institute, part of the #SCVOeconomy series, to hear more.

Places are limited and registration is essential.

Join here: https://bddy.me/3CaoyOp

Spring Covid booster rollout begins in Scotland today

At-risk groups to be offered further dose  

Spring booster jabs will be offered to those aged 75 and over and people at highest risk of severe COVID-19 disease from today (Monday).

To protect these groups a spring booster dose will be offered at least 24 weeks after the last vaccine dose to:

  • adults aged 75 years and over
  • residents in care homes for older adults
  • individuals aged 12 years and over who are immunosuppressed

Following recent advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), letters are also now being sent out to parents and guardians inviting children aged five to 11 for their first vaccination appointments. Children in this age group with specific medical conditions have already been invited.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “We know that those in high-priority groups are at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19, and I therefore welcome the start of the rollout which will offer a further dose to these people.  

“Vaccination has been our most effective tool against coronavirus. However, the degree of protection offered wanes over time, which is why booster vaccination is needed to maintain the best protection against COVID-19 for those at highest risk of severe effects of the virus.

“The additional booster dose will improve your level of protection significantly and is the best way to protect your health and those around you. 

“I continue to encourage everyone to receive the doses they are eligible for as and when they become available.”

Following the latest JCVI advice, at-risk groups will be invited as they become eligible from at least 24 weeks after their last booster with the first groups receiving appointments from Monday 7 March.

Joined up approach for new green jobs

A new partnership approach will be embedded across the education and skills system to ensure employers and government are working together to deliver training opportunities for the new green jobs of the future.

Scotland’s National Strategy for Economic Transformation recognises the critical importance of providing the current and future workforce with lifetime access to learning new skills, upskilling and retraining as part of plans to unlock Scotland’s economic potential.

The strategy sets out how public, private and third sector partnerships can work together to help make Scotland’s workforce more agile and support employers to invest in emerging economic opportunities.

This work is designed to help build a fairer and more equal society by ensuring economic transformation tackles inequality and drives up working standards and improves pay.

Actions include:

  • working collaboratively with employers and unions to increase investment in upskilling and retraining to better meet the needs of employers and employees in Scotland’s transition to net zero
  • supporting and incentivising employees, and their employers, to invest in skills and training throughout their working lives
  • expanding Scotland’s available talent pool, at all skills levels, to give employers the skills pipeline they need to take advantage of opportunities
  • implementing the Climate Emergency Skills Action Plan to align Scotland’s skills system with business needs to reach net zero
  • implementing the next phase of the Green Jobs Workforce Academy and launching a new skills guarantee for workers in carbon intensive industries
  • developing proposals for a national digital academy to open up access to a range of subjects for all learners

Economy Secretary Kate Forbes said: “The next decade will be decisive for Scotland’s economy and a key part of achieving our enormous economic potential will be investing in one of our greatest economic assets – our people.

“We want to build on the success of our Young Person’s Guarantee, Future Skills Action Plan and our investment in the Green Jobs Workforce Academy to create a skills system that offers lifetime access to new skills and retraining.

“A collaborative approach across all sectors will support our commitment to lifelong learning to ensure people across Scotland can access the tools they need for the jobs of the future and to participate in the labour market. This will also support employers to access incentives to invest in emerging economic opportunities which has the potential to lead to new jobs, new skills, and new ideas.”

Scottish Government publishes Gender Recognition Reform Bill

Simplifying how trans people apply for a Gender Recognition Certificate

New legislation to improve the system through which transgender people can gain legal recognition has been published.

The Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill will amend the Gender Recognition Act 2004 to introduce new criteria for applicants who wish to obtain a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC).

Obtaining a GRC means a trans person is legally recognised in their acquired gender and can obtain a new birth certificate showing that gender.

The Bill will require applicants to make a legally binding declaration that they intend to live permanently in their acquired gender. They will no longer need to provide medical reports or evidence.

Applicants will be required to live in their acquired gender for a minimum of three months, with a reflection period of a further three months before a certificate is granted.

The Bill proposes a criminal offence for applicants to make a false statutory declaration, with a potential punishment of up to two years’ imprisonment.

The Bill follows extensive consultation. Almost two thirds (60%) of respondents to the Scottish Government’s 2017 consultation on the principles of gender recognition reform were in favour of introducing a statutory declaration system for legal gender recognition.

Social Justice Secretary Shona Robison said: “Trans men and women are among the most stigmatised in our society and many find the current system for obtaining a Gender Recognition Certificate to be intrusive, medicalised and bureaucratic.

“This Bill does not introduce any new rights for trans people. It is about simplifying and improving the process for a trans person to gain legal recognition, which has been a right for 18 years.

“Our support for trans rights does not conflict with our continued strong commitment to uphold the rights and protections that women and girls currently have under the 2010 Equality Act. This Bill makes no changes to that Act.

“The Scottish Government has always been keen to seek consensus where possible and to work to support respectful debate. That will remain a guiding principle as the Bill progresses through Parliament.”

Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill

Factsheet and background to the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill

The proposals in the Bill include:

  • Removing the requirement for a medical diagnosis and evidence
  • Applications to be made to the Registrar General for Scotland instead of the Gender Recognition Panel, a UK Tribunal
  • Applicants to make a statutory declaration that they have lived in the acquired gender for a minimum of three months before applying (rather than the current period of two years) and that they intend to live permanently in their acquired gender
  • Applications to be determined by the Registrar General after a further three month reflection period
  • Applicants to be either be the subject of an entry in a birth or adoption record kept by the Registrar General, or be ordinarily resident in Scotland
  • The automatic recognition in Scots law of gender recognition obtained in the rest of the UK, and overseas, unless it would be manifestly contrary to public policy
  • Reduction of the minimum age of applicants from 18 to 16
  • A requirement on the Registrar General to produce an annual report
  • The removal of powers to introduce a fee

For Women Scotland is an action group of women from all over Scotland working to protect and strengthen women and children’s rights.

They believe the Scottish Government’s plans would be devastating for women’s services such as refuges & single-sex care wards.

In s statement the group said: “This sexist Bill takes a wrecking ball to safeguards by giving any man a passport to self-declare they are a woman without checks or any need for medication, surgery or diagnosis. We have already seen the devastating impact of this sort of self-ID on women’s rights in other jurisdictions.

“Everyone knows that a man cannot become a woman by force of will or magical thinking: it’s insulting and worrying that the Scottish Government do not. They are, apparently, willing to sacrifice women’s safety, set our rights back by decades, and reinforce the notion that being a woman is nothing more than a feeling or a costume.

“It is clear that no consideration has been given to the well-evidenced concerns raised by critics, probably because the Scottish Government finds them impossible to address. The belated meetings with women’s organisations and those representing parents, detranistioners, medics, and others were window dressing only.

“A prudent Government would have paid heed to the EHRC’s advice and sought to understand the conflicts.”

NHS Lothian’s record staffing levels

NHS Lothian has recorded record numbers of staff levels this year with 23,116 employed by the health board – a 15.1% increase over the past five years.

Scotland wide, more than 155,000 staff have been hired, with increases in whole-time equivalent (WTE) staff for ten consecutive years.

Across NHS Lothian there has been a 4.3% increase in the past year in staffing levels and a 15.1 % increase in the past five years.

Edinburgh Pentlands SNP MSP Gordon MacDonald said: “Our staff across NHS Lothian have shown incredible dedication and commitment to our health service in the past two years and beyond. We will never be able to thank them enough for their heroic efforts.

“Under the Scottish Government, staffing levels in the NHS have increased to record levels. The Scottish Government’s long-term investment in the workforce has accelerated since the outset of the pandemic and we are seeing that in reality, with a 15.1% increase over the past five years here in NHS Lothian.

“The SNP also continues to recognise the effort of our staff having offered them the best pay rise in the UK. They also continue to be the best paid health staff compared to their counterparts in the rest of the UK.”

Dental services for all?

Revised arrangements will reward dentists for seeing more NHS patients – but dentists remain concerned

Revised payment arrangements for NHS dentists will be linked more closely to the number of patients they see under changes being introduced in April.  

The revised arrangements will help ensure patients are able to access NHS services while dentists continue to be supported as they operate under necessary coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions.  The revised payments replace the emergency top-up arrangements that were introduced to protect the sector from the immediate impact of the pandemic.

Separately, an advisory group will be established to consider long term reform of the sector and future structure of NHS dentistry.

Public Health Minister Maree Todd said: “The pandemic has had a significant impact on the provision of dental care and our focus must now be on recovery and ensuring we equip the sector to work through the significant dental backlog. 

“From April, the new system will support dentists to see more patients while avoiding a cliff-edge for practices and ensuring a soft transition during what is still a constrained period for dental teams.

“Importantly, this means dentists could earn more than they do now through COVID-19 payment support.

“We’re delivering record investment in dentistry – with a 9% increase in the budget for NHS dental services in 2022-23 – and there has been a 39% increase in the number of high-street dentists in Scotland between 2007 and 2021. Last year there were 55.6 dentists per 100,000 of the population providing NHS care in Scotland compared to 39.9 in England.

“We are absolutely committed to improving oral health, including the removal of NHS dental charges during the lifetime of this Parliament.”

Chief Dental Officer Tom Ferris said: “We know how important it is that NHS dental teams get the right support to carry on providing the services patients need.  We’re confident that these revised arrangements are a step in the right direction to improving access, by linking financial support to seeing patients. 

“We have been sharing our proposals with the British Dental Association from before Christmas, listening to the concerns of the sector and the need to avoid the cliff-edge when the emergency support payments come to an end.

“These revised arrangements are in addition to £50 million of financial support for dentists during the pandemic, along with £35 million of PPE. It also comes on top of new and increased fees for dentists for a range of treatments including enhanced appointments from 1 Feb 2022.”

However The British Dental Association Scotland has warned that dental practices will continue to face grave uncertainty, as the Scottish Government moved to impose an interim funding model for the service without meaningful negotiation.

While the BDA has welcomed the introduction of a ‘multiplier’ to be applied to dental fees, dentists have significant concerns that the planned 3-month review will have serious implications for patient care and will leave practices unable to plan.

The union remains steadfastly opposed to the return to the unworkable high volume/low margin model of care that operated pre-COVID, and has urged the Government to apply the multiplier until new contractual arrangements are in place. 

The BDA had argued that the Scottish Government needed to significantly increase the current inadequate fees for extractions and denture repairs. Increased lab fees mean that dentists often provide these treatments at a loss, and the treatments are particularly prevalent in more deprived areas so any reduction in provision may further widen oral health inequalities.  

The announcement follows a bruising debate in Holyrood last week, in which all opposition parties accused the Scottish Government of failing to heed the warnings from the BDA on the potential collapse of NHS dentistry in Scotland.

A BDA survey from late last year reported that 80% of dentists expect their practices will reduce their NHS commitment should the Scottish Government withdraw emergency support and return to pre-COVID models of care. 

Dentist leaders have also warned that comments made yesterday by the Public Health Minister fly in the face of the facts, given the tight restrictions practices continue to work to.

Maree Todd MSP incorrectly stated that “from April, the new system will support dentists to see more patients”: an impossibility without meaningful change to COVID operating procedures.    

Both the Scottish Government and the BDA recognise the urgent need for long-term contractual reform. The Government has committed to start discussions as soon as the interim funding model is in place. The BDA stress the negotiations must include all practice activity – including work on prevention that is currently unremunerated – and adopt an evidence-based approach to address the current low fees.  

David McColl, Chair of the British Dental Association’s Scottish Dental Practice Committee said: “Bruised by the political pressure that’s been brought to bear in recent weeks Ministers have railroaded through a package that will leave practices totally unable to plan.

“The idea this package is the result of meaningful negotiation is laughable, and any idea that practices can see more patients from April flies in the face of the facts. Dentists are still working to tight restrictions, and there is no sense we are returning to anything resembling ‘business as usual’.  The Government needs to communicate this clearly to patients.

“Applying a multiplier is the right call but the Government should have taken this opportunity to address derisory fees. We have faced the absurd situation where dentists are providing NHS care at a loss. 

“What NHS dentists desperately needed was some certainty on what’s expected of them in the year ahead. The choice to put these new arrangements in place for just three months is an exercise in futility.” 

Campaign reminds drivers there’s no excuse for speeding – even a little bit

Travelling too fast for the conditions or excessive speed reported in 21% of fatal collisions

The Scottish Government and Road Safety Scotland* is running a campaign to tackle the serious issue of speeding, delivering a clear message for drivers – ‘there’s no excuse for speeding, even if it’s just a little bit.’

Speeding is one of the riskiest driving behaviours, with travelling too fast for the conditions or excessive speed reported in 21% of fatal collisions, and in 10% of all reported accidents.1

Exceeding the speed limit on all road types is surprisingly common:

  • 33% of people admit to exceeding the speed limit by 5mph in 30mph zones at least once in the past year.
  • 31% admit to exceeding the speed limit by 5mph in 20mph areas in the last year.
  • 8% admit to having driven at least once in the past year at 90mph on the motorway.
  • 27% of drivers admit to having sped up through amber at least once in the past year.
  • 13% admit they have exceeded the speed limit by 10 mph in a 30mph zone.2

Minister for Transport Jenny Gilruth said: “Speeding remains a factor in a number of fatal and serious collisions every year. That’s why I welcome this campaign to tackle this serious issue and deliver a clear message to drivers.

“A collision involving speed can have far-reaching consequences, not only affecting the driver but also their family, the victim’s family, emergency services, and people who witness the incident.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re only slightly over the speed limit – however you try and justify it, there is no excuse for speeding.”

According to Police Scotland many drivers try and justify their speeding behaviour when they’re caught, with excuses including running out of petrol, the road being quiet, trying to beat the rush hour, knowing the road well, and other traffic also being perceived as exceeding the speed limit.

Chief Superintendent Louise Blakelock, head of road policing, said: “All too often police officers experience first-hand the tragic consequences of excessive speed on our roads.

“The dangers of speeding are well-known and the consequences can be devastating, life changing and long lasting. Excessive or inappropriate speed can cause serious harm to others, especially more vulnerable road users and it’s a risk not worth taking.

“If you’re caught speeding you will be fined, have your licence endorsed and could even lose your licence.” 

Running across multiple platforms including radio and digital, the Scotland-wide campaign highlights some of the excuses commonly used by drivers to justify their speeding behaviours, while reminding those behind the wheel that, if they’re caught, they could face severe penalties.

By repeating the words ‘a little bit’ over and over, the ad creative emphasises that it doesn’t matter that you’re only slightly over the speed limit – you know there’s no excuse for speeding.

For more information visit roadsafety.scot/topics/speed or check out the Road Safety Scotland Facebook and Twitter pages.